Tag: favourites

It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, so this is my final Blogmas post for 2018! We love a bit of telly over Christmas, so I thought I’d leave you with my fave programmes of the last 12 months. This has been a great year for telly, and there’s been some REALLY outstanding new programmes and story lines, and we’ve gotten into quite a few of them!

1. Unforgotten

I started watching series 1 on catch up when I heard series 3 was starting. And then went back to re-watch it with Ed in tow, KNOWING he’d love it as much as I did. Then we caught up with series 2. Which was BETTER (and how often does that happen?)! Then series 3 happened and trumped both of those! I mean…the story lines are JUST brilliant and it’s so gripping – we binge watched it within an inch of it’s life. If you haven’t seen it, I urge you to watch it.

2. Broadchurch

Broadchurch is brilliant. After the first 2 series, I really had no idea how they were going to top it with series 3…but they did. Yet again, awful subject matter, but handled in a tasteful way and turned into insanely gripping telly!

3. The Handmaid’s Tale

If you haven’t seen The Handmaid’s Tale, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! The concept of a totalitarian state in this day and age, with some of the things that happen – it’s actually quite scary. An incredibly compelling watch. Under his eye.

4. Grimm

I got into this at the beginning of the year because it had been in my suggestions on Netflix for agessss. I felt it was a little bit of a slow start, but I’m SO glad I stuck with it, because they REALLY just dove into it, and the story line just gets more and more insane! Ed and I started re-watching it at the beginning of November, and aren’t really watching anything else at the minute – we’ve been UTTERLY binge watching it!

5. Bodyguard

Produced by the BBC a few months back, WOW. Rob Stark with a scottish accent, is a British Army war veteran suffering with PTSD, working as a Bodyguard for the Home Secretary. The story is compelling, juicy, and on more than one occasion, Ed had to pause the episode we were watching so we could discuss it/what we thought was going on/going to happen. After a little research, it turns out over 10 million of us tuned in to watch the finale live, and WHAT a finale! An absolute must see!

6. Doctor Who

Thoughts on the new Doc then?! We love her – as well as bringing her own spark, there’s some Tenant elements in there, which is perfect for us! David Tenant is our all time fave Doctor, and isn’t that part of the point of the Doctor anyway? To take on traits of the previous ones? It’s the same character after all! I gave up on Capaldi half way through his time for this reason (or lack of!)… I haven’t been as gripped by the last couple of episodes, but (putting those aside) the story lines have been really quite clever! I think the Rosa Parks episode was a stroke of genius – not only was it written and shot beautifully, but think of all the kids watching and learning. It’s an entertaining series, tech and aliens and planets and spiders (HOW HORRIBLE WAS THAT ONE?!) – but addressing poignant moments from our history, that’s still relevant today…good shout BBC.

7. Midsomer Murders

Ooooo this is an oldie, I couldn’t tell you when it’s on, I’ve just got it set up on series link! (If you couldn’t tell already), I love a good juicy murder mystery. So putting my feet up after work on a Sunday afternoon with a cuppa and inspector Barnaby has just been bliss.

8. How I Met Your Mother

Okay, so I’d watched this at least 3 times on Netflix, and I got Ed into it last year…and we started it again a few months back! It’s just that light hearted telly that you need some nights, that go-to show when you need a laugh. We love it! It’s funnier when you can start comparing characters to yourselves or people you know too… 🙊

9. Game of Thrones

As with above, we’ve watched it from the beginning a few times, and obviously there was the INSANITY of series 7 last year…but with series 8 in sight, we thought we’d start again! Though we got distracted by Grimm so we haven’t watched it in the last couple of months!

10. I’m a Celebrity…

This is when you KNOW it’s getting close to Christmas! I’ve never failed to watch a series, I just bloomin love it!

There we are! My top shows from 2018 – there was a bit of a running theme of murder, death and thrill, wasn’t there 😂 But I just LOVE some juicy telly! Have you got any recommendations? Have I missed anything? Drop it in the comments below!

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And that, my friends, is where I leave you for now! Christmas is almost here which means Blogmas has come to an end! Thankyou to all of you who’ve visited my blog and shown support, it really does mean a lot! Sending holiday wishes to you all 😘

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Lynette x

Winter HAS to be my favourite season of the year! Christmas is the obvious feature, but it’s also turned into a special time of the year for Ed and I too…it’s when we started dating, became an official couple, went on our first holiday AND got engaged! So the time of year is just full of love and special memories! I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite things about winter, with particular reference to December.

🌙 Dark Evenings

An unpopular opinion perhaps, but I like the shorter days and longer evenings! It feels more magical, more special – especially for December.

❄️ Crisp Walks

Who doesn’t love a crisp winter walk in the country? All bundled up, wearing a million layers…maybe best to avoid the rainy days, they aren’t so fun, but the bright, cold days are just gorgeous.

✨ Fairylights

Pretty and sparkly and magical…what’s not to love?! I’ve put fairy lights wherever I can in the house…but some of the best have to be the ones outside… In the dark, on a walk or driving in the car, it’s just gorgeous. Who else’s parents used to take detours to show them pretty lights or extravagantly lit houses?!

🎄 A Christmas lights switch on, a Christmas market or Pantomime

Similar to the last point, but there is just SUCH a good feeling in the air! Everyone’s in a fantastic mood, carols are being sung or Wham’s being played over the speakers, you can smell roasting chestnuts, mulled wine or a hog roast, everyone’s bundled up in hats and scarves and bumping into people they haven’t seen in months. Kids have got their glow sticks flashing, are pumped full of sugar ready for a few hours of ‘It’s behind you!’ and parents and grandparents are half loving it, half wondering why they aren’t at home with their feet up. Everyone, of all different ages, are coming together because of one common interest, and it’s such a special experience!

🛍️ The hustle and bustle of town

Particularly in the couple of weeks running up to Christmas…Christmas decorations are everywhere, fairylights adorn shop doors and windows, people are going about their Christmas shopping, hands laden with bags or festive cuppas in hand…and despite the cold, there’s a feeling of warmth and excitement and it’s utterly magical.

☕ Hot drinks on tap

I don’t know about you, but I drink probably about 4 times as many hot drinks at this time of year compared to any other time…MAINLY as a source of heat for my hands! My hands and feet are ALWAYS cold in winter, so whether it’s a cup of tea or festive hot chocolate, it’s a wonderful excuse to have a constant stream of steam!

🍂 The scenery

I mean, it’s just gorgeous. I don’t think I really need to expand much further.

What are your favourite things about Winter?

Lynette x

I’m sure this subject can be widely argued, we all have our favourites, for different reasons…perhaps the film itself isn’t ground breaking cinema, but it reminds you of a certain time/place/person: and that emotional link is why you watch it every year. Or maybe it’s just coz it’s brilliant! But here are mine:

1. The Santa Clause

I had to put this first, because it’s always been a part of my Christmas. I remember watching it as kid, thinking how magical it was, wondering if it could actually be true. I think the main reason I go back and watch it each year is because it sparks that magical feeling of Christmas that I had as a kid – that feeling when you’re full of wonder and excitement. And it’s not Christmas without Tim Allen! Obviously, I’ve watched the sequels many times too, but the original is the best!

2. Polar Express

This is just such a special film. Watching it cuddled up with a hot chocolate, it reminds us of how special it was believing in Father Christmas. It’s full of magic and is a FIRM favourite of mine – it makes me feel all warm and happy and fuzzy 😊 And naturally, I sing along too!

3. Elf

Awwww it’s just brilliant isn’t it?! Will Ferrell erupts onto the screen in green, disguised as all our inner child’s at Christmas! However many times you’ve seen it before, you still cackle at the same bits, it’ll never fail to cheer you up or get in the Christmas spirit…because as we all know ‘The best to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear’ 😊

4. Love Actually

Who. Doesn’t. Love. Love Actually?! If you don’t imagine Hugh Grant’s dad dancing every time you hear ‘Jump’ by the Pointer Sisters throughout the year, then you haven’t seen this film enough! We still haven’t forgiven Alan Rickman for buying that necklace, we still love Andrew Lincoln for those cue cards, and we remain slightly embarrassed that an excited Laura Linney reminds us all of our teenage selves. Despite the moments of heartbreak, it’s filled with love, and it reminds us that ‘Love Actually is, all around’ ❤️

5. The Holiday

This is the first film I’ll watch in the run up to Christmas. I try to wait until 1st December, but it’s been known to make it onto my telly during the last few days of November… It’s perfect viewing for a night in alone, nestled under a blanket with some hot chocolate or a baileys, and some delicious food or snacks. It’s heartwarming in the right places, heartbreaking in the right places, and the odd flicker of comedy is just lovely. Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law are just gorgeous in this.

6. Nativity

Ohhhhh Nativity! I’m afraid if you don’t like Nativity, we can no longer be friends… 🙊 It’s just pure brilliance! It’s cute, funny, heart warming – it’ll have you laughing one minute and crying the next. I can’t believe I’m admitting it, but I get choked up! Every. Year. 🙄🙈 Obviously there’s the sequels as well, which are good, but NOTHING can top the original! (Ed and I realised this year that we’re very similar to Mr Maddens and Mr Poppy…any guesses who’s who?!)

7. This Christmas

A romantic Christmas film centering around the Whitfield family, who’s eldest has come home for the first time in years. It’s a veryyyy well known cast, and I love films like this – putting actors I love, together in one place. And the SASS level is just something else for a Christmas film 😂

8. Christmas with the Kranks

I feel like this one is a bit of a marmite film, but I love it! Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis decide to skip Christmas in order to save money to go on a cruise, but then find out their daughter’s coming home and will be expecting a family Christmas. With these two leading the film, it’s a manic, comedy filled treat, perfect for afternoon viewing with a good cuppa!

9. White Christmas

A classic. And a must see each Christmas, particularly as a Musical Theatre graduate and Vera Ellen fan. It’s old and wholesome and lovely (and funny!), and really quite special. And so stagey!

10. The Muppet Christmas Carol

Last, but by no means least – and actually potentially my all time fave – Muppet Christmas Carol! I’ve watched it since I was a kid, and when Todd and I grew up, we made it a tradition to watch it on Christmas Eve afternoon. I love the story, I love Gonzo and Rizzo as narrators, I love the songs… It’s brilliant, a tradition, and it wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

And there we have it! There are tons more that I love, and I’m sure there’ll be some of your favourites that didn’t make the list – but as I said earlier, some of mine are (because I enjoy them, yes), but also because I associate them with magical Christmases. It’s quite amazing how powerful television can be for our memories and associated feelings…

I’ve always been prone to spots, and deep pores on my nose, even now in my mid twenties. When I was a teenager I always thought I’d become an adult, and they’d magically disappear (and was quite disappointed when that didn’t happen). But 9 months ago, I happened across the first product I’m going to talk about, thatstarted to change my life (a drastic statement perhaps, but I’m sure anyone else who’s unhappy with their skin can relate to how much it knocks your confidence and/or is an embarrassment).

I really wish that I’d known about these products a few years ago and I’m hoping that by sharing this, I may help someone who feels the same as I used to!

Because here I am, with my skin in the best condition it’s ever been in, and genuinely happy! So I just had to share my miracle products.

No. 1 – Dermalogica Clear Start Toner

I’d just done a dance gig, and as part of the ‘thankyou’ present, had been given a voucher for Harvey Nics. Now, you don’t have to know me well to guess I’m not a die hard Harvey Nics shopper, so I really wasn’t sure what to do with the voucher I’d been gifted. It was coming up to Christmas and I knew Ed was going to be working away from home, so thought, why not treat myself to some fancy smellies for those long nights in alone (that are a bit pricier and not things I’d ordinarily buy). So I did just that. I bought a yummy smelling shower gel and also – Dermalogica’s Clear Start Toner. And this is what’s changed my life.

Within a couple of weeks of using it, I saw a noticeable difference in the amount of spots I was getting – and it’s the same now. I’m still yet to find a superhero product to prevent or quickly get rid of those big, under the skin spots (that hurt like a mother!) that I get when I’m stressed…but on the whole, my skin has improved MASSIVELY. It’s £17 plus P&P, so is by no means the cheapest treatment out there, but after at least 10 years of hating my skin, trying all the affordable products out there and getting nowhere…I don’t really care. Because you can’t put a price on confidence.

No. 2 – Biore Charcoal Cleanser

A new purchase that I bought from Amazon. The Clear Start toner had turned into a staple to combat breakouts, but I still hadn’t found a product to minimize my pours. At £3.50 I thought there wasn’t much to lose – and I’m so glad I did, because I’ve fallen in love! It leaves my skin so smooth and it really has helped minimize my pores, particularly on my nose – I can actually SEE a difference! And that’s the first time I’ve ever SEEN a difference when using a blackhead/pore product. It’s also got menthol as one of the ingredients, so it leaves my skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated, and a little bit tingly 😊

No. 3 – Bio Oil

I’ve mentioned Bio Oil previously in Adult Life Hacks Part I, but I have to say it again. And, as I said then, full credit to Ed for introducing me to it! I’ve been using it on spot scars for a good year or so now, and whilst you don’t see overnight results, it really does help clear up redness. Which, along with the other products I’ve mentioned, has really improved my skin confidence.

Full disclosure, I’ve recently changed my diet a little too, and eliminated processed foods from my life…I’m pretty sure that’s been the cherry on top of the face clearing cake!

Before now, I’d never have left home without makeup on. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t put lashes, lippy and bronzer on just to pop to get some milk, but I would have never been seen dead outdoors without AT LEAST some concealer.

NOW, I can just get up and go! I do still wear makeup most of the time anyway, but feeling I have the OPTION for the first time in my life is amazing. And don’t get me wrong, my skin isn’t perfect, but when the change has been so significant, I HAD to share my experience with these products with you all!

If anyone has any questions about the products or miracle products of their own, please feel free to share below!

Hello my loves, welcome to 'life with Lynette'! I'm a frizzy, halloumi loving dance teacher/choreographer, living in North Yorkshire. I've recently given my little corner of the internet a fresh lick of paint, so enjoy my ramblings on work, lifestyle, adulting...and maybe a bit of wedding prep too! Grab a cuppa and get comfy...